Golf swing and hip rotation connector

ABSTRACT

A new golf swing and hip rotation connector, comprising a combination of:  
     a) a chest belt ( 1 ), comprising on its part a double rubber belt strap ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) which together with the chest belt ( 1 ) surround the leading arm of the golf player, and a belt strap ( 4 ) which rests over the shoulder of the leading arm of the golf player;  
     b) an intermediate band ( 9 ), and  
     c) a loop ( 10 ) which, when worn, is situated diagonally to the leading arm and is connected with the chest belt ( 1 ) both directly as well as via the intermediate band ( 9 ),  
     with said combination being used especially as a training device for learning to play golf.

[0001] The invention relates to a new golf swing and hip rotationconnector as well as its use as a training device for learning to playgolf, especially for learning a good golf swing and proper tee.

[0002] A large number of auxiliary exercise means are known in the fieldof learning to improve one's golf swing while playing golf. Theobjective of all these means is to perform a good golf swing. This golfswing on the other hand is closely related to the leading arm, strikingarm and the golf player's body.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,924 describes a golf training device whichconsists of a first band surrounding the chest and a second bandsurrounding the golfer's leading arm.

[0004] A similar golf training device is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,970,316.

[0005] Although these known golf training devices according to U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,691,924 and 3,970,316 offer some progress in training the golfswing, they are still not optimal especially concerning an effectivegolf swing and hitting the golf ball.

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to develop a trainingdevice for learning to play golf which better controls the sequence ofmovement of the body, and the arms in particular, while playing golf andallows in particular a more effective golf swing and better precision inhitting the golf ball.

[0007] This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in sucha way that a new golf swing and hip rotation connector was developedwhich advantageously consists of a combination of mutually connectedshoulder and chest belt via an intermediate band with a loop as a hipand leg band.

[0008] Said new golf swing and hip rotation connector comprises thefollowing:

[0009] a) a circumferentially adjustable chest belt 1 which is attachedover the chest of a golf player which on its part comprises alength-adjustable double belt strap which in combination with the chestbelt 1 rigidly surrounds the leading arm of the golf player and holdssaid arm back, with the double belt strap on its part consisting in thepart surrounding the leading arm of a rubber belt strap 2 and 3 and thechest belt further comprising a length-adjustable belt strap 4 which isfixed on its part to the chest belt 1 and rests over the shoulder of theleading arm of the golf player to whose end there is attached a beltstrap 5 and to its other end a belt strap 6 with an angle each ofbetween 45° and 75° to the chest belt 1 and on whose ends there isattached one closure apparatus 7 and 8 each, with the end of the beltstrap 4 and the joining place of the belt strap 5 with the closureapparatus 8 being situated on the back when carried and the joiningplace of the belt strap 6 with the closure apparatus 7 being attacheddirectly adjacent to the rubber belt strap 2 and 3 and the other end ofthe belt strap 4, with the closure apparatus 8 being connected via

[0010] b) an intermediate band 9 with

[0011] c) the belt strap 11 of the loop 10 and the closure apparatus 7directly connected with the belt strap 12 of the loop 10, with the beltstrap 11 representing on its part a length-adjustable belt strap and thebelt strap 12 a length-adjustable belt strap and the two belt straps 11and 12 stand at an angle of 75° to 110°, especially 90°, with respect toeach other.

[0012] The following explanations in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3(Figs.) illustrate the golf swing and hip rotation connector inaccordance with the invention in closer detail.

[0013]FIG. 1 shows the entire combination parts of the of the chest belt1 including the rubber belt straps 2 and 3 and the belt strap 4 with theintermediate band 9 and the loop 10 for the new golf swing and hiprotation connector;

[0014]FIG. 2 shows the sole chest belt 1 including the rubber beltstraps 2 and 3 and the belt strap 4, and

[0015]FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the rubber belt straps 2 and 3.

[0016] The reference numerals have the following meaning in said FIGS. 1to 3:

[0017]1=The chest belt which preferably consists of a non-elastic beltstrap. The circumferential length is approximately 1000 mm to 1500 mm,preferably 1100 mm and is adjustable. The width of the chest belt isbetween 40 mm and 60 mm, preferably 50 mm, and its thickness is between1 mm and 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm.

[0018] The chest belt 1 can be opened by means of a buckle attached tothe chest belt 1 and can be adjusted simultaneously in its circumferenceand its length, with the closure appropriately being made by means of aVelcro fastener, with the Velcro fastener being fixed to the outside ofthe chest belt 1, or with the chest belt 1 being provided with a snapbuckle at position 1/1 for example (FIG. 1).

[0019]2=Outer rubber belt strap, and

[0020]3=inner rubber belt strap jointly form a double rubber belt strapwhich is elastic and is fixed on the one side to the chest belt 1 andcan be closed on the other side by means of a belt strap 2/3 by a bucklein the length by means of a Velcro fastener. The outer rubber belt strap2 has a free surface and is suitable for outwardly applying a LOGO. Thewidth of the inner and outer rubber belt strap is 80 to 120 mm each,especially 100 mm, the thickness 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, especially 1.0 mm,and the length is 300 mm to 400 mm, preferably 350 mm. The inner rubberbelt strap 3 is used especially to cover any sewing work arising by theattachment of the LOGO on the inside of the outer rubber belt strap 2.When carrying the chest belt 1, the golf player's leading arm issituated between the outside of the rubber belt strap 3 and the chestbelt 1, i.e. the rubber belt straps 2 and 3 are situated close to eachother and appear visually as a uniform band.

[0021] The double belt strap which consists of the outer rubber belt 2and the inner rubber belt 3 can also consist of only a single rubberbelt strap 2 or 3 in accordance with a variant of the invention.

[0022] A further embodiment of the invention provides an advantageouslydownwardly facing and fastened closure (13, FIG. 1), e.g. a snap buckle,between the two rubber belt straps (2) and (3) in order to fasten aleading arm rail with a joint (at the level of the arm joint).

[0023]4=A belt strap which is carried over the shoulder (shoulder beltstrap). It is connected rigidly at both ends with the chest belt 1 andcan be adjusted in its length and opened by means of a buckle closure.

[0024] The fixing of the belt strap to the chest belt 1 is situated atthe one end directly close to the buckle (4A, FIG. 1) for adjusting thelength of the rubber belt straps 2 and 3, and at the other end approx.200 mm away from the fixing of the rubber belt straps 2 and 3 to thechest belt 1. Belt strap 4 is not elastic, has a length of 400 to 500mm, preferably 450 mm, a width of 20 mm to 35 mm, especially 25 mm, anda thickness of 0.8 to 1.5 mm, especially 1.0 mm.

[0025]5=A belt strap of a length of approximately 20 mm to 50 mm,especially 30 mm, and a width of 20 to 35 mm, especially 25 mm, and athickness of 1.0 to 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm, which is fastened withone end to the chest belt 1 at the fastening point of the belt strap 4and comprises a closure apparatus at the other end, especially a snapbuckle, with which the belt strap 5 can be connected via the closureapparatus 8 with the intermediate part 9.

[0026]6=A belt strap of a length of approximately 20 mm to 50 mm,especially 30 mm, and a width of 20 to 35 mm, especially 25 mm, and athickness of 1.0 to 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm, which is fastened withone end to the chest belt 1 and comprises a closure apparatus at theother end, especially a snap buckle, with which the belt strap 6 can bedirectly connected with the loop 10 via the belt strap 11.

[0027]5/6=The angles of the fixed belt strap 6 to the chest belt 1 andthe fixed belt strap 6 to the chest belt 1 can be mutually independentor preferably dependent and are 45° to 75°, in particular 60°.

[0028]7/8=Closure apparatuses, especially snap buckles on the beltstraps 5 and 6.

[0029]9=Non-elastic belt strap which is used as an intermediate bandfrom the belt strap 5 of the chest belt 1 to the belt strap 11 of theloop 10. The length without the closure connections is approx. 180 mm to230 mm, especially 200 mm, with a width of 22 mm to 30 mm, especially 25mm, and a thickness of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm. The twoclosures, preferably snap buckles, on the belt strap 9 are fixed to therespective ends of the belt strap.

[0030]10=A loop, preferably a non-elastic belt strap with acircumference of approximately 300 to 800 mm, especially 600 mm, a widthof 45 mm to 60 mm, especially 50 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm to 1.5 mm,preferably 1.2 mm. This loop can additionally optionally be equippedwith an elastic rubber band with a width of 80 mm to 130 mm, especially100 mm, and a thickness of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, especially 1.0 mm, which isfastened to the loop 10 at two opposite points approximately in themiddle of loop 10, so that it rests horizontally on the thigh when beingworn. It can be provided on its part with a LOGO facing outwardly.

[0031] The loop (10) can advantageously also be interrupted by andprovided with a length-adjustable snap buckle at location 10/1 (FIG. 1)for example.

[0032]11=A non-elastic belt strap which is fastened to one end of theloop 10 and is length-adjustable, having a length of approximately 220mm to 270 mm, especially 250 mm, a width of 22 mm to 30 mm, especially25 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm to 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm, and whichis provided at the other end with a closure apparatus, especially snapbuckle, for joining with the intermediate band 9.

[0033]12=A non-elastic belt strap which is fastened to one end of theloop 10 and is length-adjustable, having a length of approximately 500mm to 600 mm, especially 550 mm, a width of 22 mm to 30 mm, especially25 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm to 1.5 mm, especially 1.2 mm, and whichis provided at the other end with a closure apparatus, especially snapbuckle, which is used to directly join with the chest belt 1 at theclosure point 7.

[0034] The two non-elastic belt straps 11 and 12 are mutually fastenedto the loop 10 at an angle of 75° to 110°, preferably 90°.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the golf swing and hip rotationconnector in accordance with the invention for a grown person is thatsaid connector consists of the following:

[0036] a) a circumferentially adjustable non-elastic chest belt 1 with awidth of 50 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm which, when worn, is attachedover the chest of a golf player, which belt comprises on its part alength-adjustable double belt strap which in combination with the chestbelt 1 rigidly surrounds the leading arm of the golf player and holdssaid arm back, with the double belt strap on its part consisting in thepart surrounding the leading arm of an outside elastic rubber belt strap2 and an inner elastic belt strap 3, which each have on their part awidth of 100 mm, thickness of 1 mm and a length of 350 mm, and the chestbelt 1 further comprising a length-adjustable non-elastic belt strap 4which has a length of 450 mm, a width of 25 mm and a thickness of 1 mmand which on its part is fixed to the chest belt 1 and, when worn, restsover the shoulder of the leading arm of the golf player to whose one endthere is attached a belt strap 5 of 30 mm length and to whose other enda belt strap 6 with a length of 30 mm, with each being fastened to thechest belt 1 at an angle each of approximately 60°, and on whose endsthere is attached one snap buckle 7 and 8 each, with the end of the beltstrap 4 and the joining place of the belt strap 5 with the snap buckle 8being situated on the back when worn and the joining place of the beltstrap 6 with the snap buckle 7 being situated directly adjacent to therubber belt strap 2 and 3 when worn, with the snap buckle 8 beingconnected via

[0037] b) an intermediate band 9 with

[0038] c) the belt strap 11 of the loop 10 and the snap buckle 7directly with the belt strap 12 on the loop 10, with the belt strap 11representing on its part a length-adjustable belt strap of 250 mmlength, 25 mm width and 1.2 mm thickness, and the belt strap 12representing a length-adjustable belt strap of 550 mm length, 25 mmwidth and 1.2 mm thickness, and with the two belt straps 11 and 12 beingfastened to the loop 10 at an angle of 90° with respect to each other.

[0039] The advantages of the golf swing and hip rotation connector inaccordance with the invention over the known devices allow a precisecontrol of the movements and position of the leading arm when strikingthe golf ball, namely both hip rotation as well as downward swing, as aresult of the combination of chest belt 1 and hip belt 10 via anintermediate belt 9. This combination of a mutually connected chest belt1 and hip belt 10 leads to a controlled sequence of the striking arm,with the upper arm of the leading arm being rigidly connected to thechest, so that the elbow is not allowed to pivot outwardly during thestrike. The leading arm is also better supported by the shoulder beltstrap 4. The belt width of the chest belt 1 is kept narrow, leading tocomfortable wearing (especially for ladies). The hip belt combined withthe chest belt 1 also leads to an increase in the swing sequence becausethe hip is automatically rotated forwardly. All this leads to avirtually automatic optimal golf swing and thus to an excellent tee. Thedream comes true for many practicing golf players to hit the golf balloptimally when learning to play golf.

[0040] The golf swing and hip rotation connector is worn over garmentsand is put on very quickly by pulling the chest belt 1 over the golfplayer's chest. Then the leading arm is positioned between the chestbelt 1 and the double belt strap consisting of the rubber belt straps 2and 3 and finally the belt strap 4 is pulled over the shoulder of theleading arm. Secondly, the loop 10 is then pulled over the diagonalthigh to the leading arm and is connected via the intermediate belt 9 ordirectly with the chest belt 1. Thirdly, the entire combination of thegolf swing and hip rotation connector is tightened and set by means ofthe attached buckle closures.

[0041] The golf swing and hip rotation connector in accordance with theinvention is used as a training device especially in golf schools, golfacademies, etc. as well as in private use at home or in the garden bothfor male and female golf players, and both left-hand and right-handplayers.

[0042] The golf swing and hip rotation connector in accordance with theinvention is both suitable for golf players using the right arm as thestriking arm and the left arm as the leading arm as well as for suchgolf players who use the left arm as the striking arm and the right armas the leading arm.

[0043] The new golf swing and hip rotation connector can be produced inany size, i.e. both in children's sizes for boys and girls as well as inadult sizes for men and women. It can be removed easily from the body,can be washed (hand washing), is light weight (approximately 300 to 400grams) and is comfortable to wear.

[0044] The illustrations (FIGS. 1 to 3) show the golf swing and hiprotation connector in accordance with the invention in closer detail.

1. A golf swing and hip rotation connector, comprising a) acircumferentially adjustable chest belt (1) which is attached over thechest of a golf player, which belt on its part comprises alength-adjustable double belt strap which in combination with the chestbelt (1) rigidly surrounds the leading arm of the golf player and holdssaid arm back, with the double belt strap on its part consisting in thepart surrounding the leading arm of a rubber belt strap (2) and (3) andthe chest belt (1) further comprising a length-adjustable belt strap (4)which is fixed on its part to the chest belt (1) and rests over theshoulder of the leading arm of the golf player to whose end there isattached a belt strap (5) and to its other end a belt strap (6) with anangle each of between 45° and 75° to the chest belt (1) and on whoseends there is attached one closure apparatus (7) and (8) each, with theend of the belt strap (4) and the joining place of the belt strap (5)with the closure apparatus (8) being situated on the back when worn andthe joining place of the belt strap (6) with the closure apparatus (7)being attached directly adjacent to the rubber belt strap (2) and (3),with the closure apparatus (8) being connected via b) an intermediateband (9) with c) the belt strap (11) of the loop (10) and the closureapparatus (7) directly connected with the belt strap (12) of the loop(10), with the belt strap (11) representing on its part alength-adjustable belt strap and the belt strap (12) a length-adjustablebelt strap, and with the two belt straps (11) and (12) standing at anangle of 75° to 110° with respect to each other.
 2. A golf swing and hiprotation connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that thechest belt (1) is not elastic.
 3. A golf swing and hip rotationconnector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the chest belt(1) has a width of 50 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm.
 4. A golf swing andhip rotation connector as claimed in claims 1 to 3, characterized inthat the outer rubber belt strap (2) and the inner rubber belt strap (3)are elastic.
 5. A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed inclaim 4, characterized in that the outer rubber belt strap (2) and theinner rubber belt strap (3) each have a width of 100 mm, a thickness of1 mm and a length of 350 mm.
 6. A golf swing and hip rotation connectoras claimed in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the belt strap (4) isnot elastic.
 7. A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed inclaim 6, characterized in that the belt strap (4) has a length of 450mm, a width of 25 mm and a thickness of 1 mm.
 8. A golf swing and hiprotation connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that theintermediate band (9) is not elastic, has a width of 25 mm and a lengthof 200 mm.
 9. A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed inclaims 1 to 8, characterized in that the loop (10) is not elastic, has awidth of 50 mm, a thickness of 1.2 mm and a circumference of 600 mm. 10.A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed in claims 1 to 9,characterized in that the angles of the belt strap (5) to the chest belt(1) and the belt strap (6) to the chest belt (1) are independent of eachother.
 11. A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed in claims1 to 9, characterized in that the angles of the belt strap (5) to thechest belt (1) and the belt strap (6) to the chest belt (1) aredependent on each other.
 12. A golf swing and hip rotation connector asclaimed in claim 11, characterized in that the angle of the belt strap(5) to the chest belt (1) and the belt strap (6) to the chest belt (1)is 60° each.
 13. A golf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed inclaims 1 to 12, characterized in that the two belt straps (11) and (12)are at an angle of 90° with respect to each other.
 14. A golf swing andhip rotation connector as claimed in claims 1 to 13, characterized inthat a closure is attached between the two rubber belt straps (2) and(3) in order to fasten a leading arm rail with a joint thereto.
 15. Agolf swing and hip rotation connector as claimed in claims 1 to 14,characterized in that the loop (10) is interrupted by and provided witha snap buckle.
 16. A golf swing and hip rotation connector, consistingof a) a circumferentially adjustable non-elastic chest belt (1) with awidth of 50 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm which, when worn, is attachedover the chest of a golf player, which belt comprises on its part alength-adjustable double belt strap which in combination with the chestbelt (1) rigidly surrounds the leading arm of the golf player and holdssaid arm back, with the double belt strap on its part consisting in thepart surrounding the leading arm of an outside elastic rubber belt strap(2) and an inner elastic belt strap (3), which each have on their part awidth of 100 mm, thickness of 1 mm and a length of 350 mm, and the chestbelt (1) further comprising a length-adjustable non-elastic belt strap(4) which has a length of 450 mm, a width of 25 mm and a thickness of 1mm and which on its part is fixed to the chest belt (1) and, when worn,rests over the shoulder of the leading arm of the golf player to whoseone end there is attached a belt strap (5) of 30 mm length and to whoseother end a belt strap (6) with a length of 30 mm, with each beingfastened to the chest belt (1) at an angle each of approximately 60°,and on whose end there is attached one snap buckle (7) and (8) each,with the end of the belt strap (4) and the joining place of the beltstrap (5) with the snap buckle (8) being situated on the back when wornand the joining place of the belt strap (6) with the snap buckle (7)being situated directly adjacent to the rubber belt strap (2) and (3)when worn, with the snap buckle (8) being connected via b) anintermediate band (9) with c) the belt strap (11) of the loop (10) andthe snap buckle (7) directly connect with the belt strap (12) on theloop (10), with the belt strap (11) representing on its part alength-adjustable belt strap of 250 mm length, 25 mm width and 1.2 mmthickness, and the belt strap (12) representing a length-adjustable beltstrap of 550 mm length, 25 mm width and 1.2 mm thickness, and with thetwo belt straps (11) and (12) being fastened to the loop (10) at anangle of 90° with respect to each other.
 17. The use of the golf swingand hip rotation connector according to the claims 1 to 16 as a trainingdevice for learning to play golf.